Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann understands what it takes to be a great wide receiver. During his Hall of Fame career the former first-round draft pick had 336 receptions for 5,462 career yards and 51 touchdowns, and provided highlight reels that could go on forever.
Steelers' wide receiver Antonio Brown has already surpassed Swann for receptions and yards, with 442 catches for 5,977 yards in his sixth season. Swann sees those numbers growing as Brown is part of an offense that leans heavily on the passing game.
Swann recently shared his thoughts on Brown and what he brings to the offense:
On Antonio Brown and what he brings to the offense: "The passing game has changed tremendously. The Steelers passing game isn't what it used to be. They actually do throw the ball a lot more in Pittsburgh. From Hines Ward to Antonio Brown, they have been great beneficiaries of a great passing attack.
"I think Antonio's speed, his ability to catch the ball and make great plays and improvise when Ben (Roethlisberger) is scrambling around has had a huge impact on this football team. It's kept them in a lot of ball games."
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The best photos of WR Antonio Brown from the 2015 season.
On Roethlisberger's ability to scramble and how that works with the receivers:**
"Ben is an anomaly, a throwback to the days of Roger Staubach and Fran Tarkenton, guys scrambling around. But Ben makes things happen. He is able to get away from a pass rush and buy more time. The receivers adjust to that.
"It's an acquired skill. You don't just automatically find yourself in that position and suddenly you are open. You have to work at getting open when your quarterback is scrambling around and make yourself visible. All of the receivers have adjusted to it. The coaches have bought into it. They think the risk is worth the reward. And Ben does it. It's just what Ben does and they take advantage of it."
On advice he would give to Brown:
"I don't give advice to any of the young players. They have their mindset and what they want to accomplish and what they want to do. I think Antonio Brown is doing just fine the way he is right now."
